Daily Briefing

Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 28 Jun 2014

Britain has moved a step closer to leaving the European Union, says David Cameron. Speaking after his failure to block Jean-Claude Juncker from taking the top Brussels job, the prime minister said it was a “sad day for Europe”. He added that it has “got harder” for Britain to reform the EU and remain within it, though he added that it is “still achievable”.

Fracking should be allowed in national parks, says the outgoing chairman of the Environment Agency. Dismissing concerns of campaigners over the impact of drilling at such sites, Chris Smith said: “Provided it is done carefully and properly regulated, those fears are definitely exaggerated.” Campaigners say the government is preparing to “auction off” national parks.

Satellite images and witness statements show there was a “horrible war crime” in Tikrit, says Human Rights Watch. The New York-based group says between 160 and 190 men were loaded into trucks, marched towards trenches and murdered by ISIS militants. Evidence suggests ISIS followed some techniques used by the SS during world war two.

4. CHURCH WON’T CUT WONGA TIES

There was an outcry last night as the Church of England revealed it will continue investing in Wonga. Church leaders have defended their decision by saying they can improve the conduct of companies that are less than “morally perfect”. Meanwhile, police may launch a criminal investigation into the payday loan company’s bogus legal letters sent to tens of thousands of customers.

5. SOUL STAR BOBBY WOMACK DIES AT 70

The American soul legend Bobby Womack has died at the age of 70. The cause of Womack’s death is unknown, but the singer and songwriter had suffered from cancer and Alzheimer's disease and battled with drug addiction. Womack is best known for hits including Lookin' For A Love, That's The Way I Feel About 'Cha, and Woman's Gotta Have It.

6. UK FACES SPERM SHORTAGE CRISIS

Britain is facing a major sperm shortage that may be leading fertility clinics to accept poorer quality sperm, warns the British Fertility Society. The chairman of the society says he is "worried" that some clinics may be setting a lower bar to "get donors through the door". The shortage comes despite the fact that demand for donors is falling thanks to advances in fertility treatment.

7. PM AIDE CHARGED OVER CHILD IMAGES

A former aide to David Cameron has been charged by police over child abuse images. Patrick Rock, 63, was arrested at his home earlier this year after Downing Street staff contacted police. He has been charged with three offences of making indecent images of children and one offence of possessing 59 indecent images of children.

8. BLATTER DENOUNCED AT GLASTONBURY

Underfire Fifa president Sepp Blatter gained a new critic last night when pop singer Lily Allen declared him a “c**t” at Glastonbury. Introducing her track F**k You, she said: "The next song is dedicated to possibly one of, actually not, the most corrupt, annoyingly corrupt, person there is in the world, Sepp f***ng Blatter, you c***”.

9. WIMBLEDON BANS BALCONY CELEBRATION

Wimbledon is installing a gate to prevent players climbing into the stands in celebration during the tennis tournament. Pat Cash was the first player to scale the roof of the commentary box on Centre Court, and Andy Murray became the latest champion to follow suit when he won last year. But now safety concerns are putting a stop to it. Meanwhile, Murray marched into round four yesterday.

10. BRAZIL V CHILE AS KNOCKOUT BEGINS

Brazil face Chile today as the World Cup reaches its knockout stages. The mouth-watering clash sees the hosts line up against the one team coach Luiz Felipe said he wanted to avoid in the last 16. "I hope Chile don't qualify," said Scolari in December. "I'd rather play any of the others. They're a pain to play against.” Colombia face Uruguay in the evening’s second tie.